Home Upgrades
EV chargers, standby generators, batteries, lighting, fans, surge protection and smart home wiring. Permitted and inspected.
The payoff is simple: a car charged every morning, a generator that starts itself in an outage, kitchen lights that finally look right.
What makes it last is the part you don't see: sizing it to your panel, the right circuit, and a permit and inspection.
Upgrades we install
Lighting & Fans
- Recessed Lighting
- LED Upgrades
- Light Fixture & Chandelier Install
- Under-Cabinet Lighting
- Dimmers
- Smart Switches & Dimmers
- Landscape Lighting
- Permanent Holiday Lighting
- Soffit & Eave Downlighting
- Pool, Deck & Step Lighting
- Security & Motion Lighting
- Outdoor Lighting Package
- Ceiling Fans
- Bathroom Exhaust Fans
- Whole-House & Attic Fans
Signs it's time to upgrade
- An EV is in the driveway or on order
- Outages or PG&E shutoffs keep catching you out
- Your solar goes dark when the grid does
- Dim rooms, dated fixtures, a dark yard
How an upgrade goes
- Name the goal. Charge the car, ride out outages, light the kitchen, protect the electronics.
- Size it right. We check your panel and service so the upgrade fits.
- Options on paper. Equipment, labor, permit and utility work, priced up front.
- Install, then inspect. Installed to code, walked through with you, inspected.
What upgrades cost
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| EV charger circuit and install (charger and permit extra) | $1,200 to $2,800 |
| Standby generator and transfer switch (installed) | $13,500 to $23,000 |
| Home battery and backup subpanel (single battery, installed) | $15,500 to $25,000 |
| Whole-house surge protector (mounted at the panel) | $550 to $1,100 |
Prices updated October 2026.
What local homes ask for
EV chargers lead in Davis, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville and Rocklin. Generators and batteries rule PG&E shutoff country, Auburn and Placerville to Grass Valley. Whole-house fans suit the valley.
Upgrade questions
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger or home battery?
Often not. A load calculation shows if there's room, and load management or a lower charger setting usually avoids it.
Generator or battery: which is better for power outages?
A standby generator starts itself and can run the whole house for days. A battery is silent and pairs with solar, but runs for a limited time. A portable generator with an inlet and interlock costs least.
Do you offer financing for electrical upgrades?
Yes. 0% on qualifying projects, subject to credit approval.
Do electrical upgrades need permits?
Most do, from EV chargers and generators to batteries, new circuits and many lighting jobs. The fee goes on your quote.
Updated October 2026 by the Chief Electric team.